Few beings are born as dependent as humans, we need a lot of time to be able to walk, feed and be able to properly relate to everything around us.
We often hear parents talk about their children’s desire for autonomy, but on the other hand, we also see many overprotective parents, yet it is critical for good development for parents to foster their children’s autonomy.
- Of course.
- When we talk about parenting.
- We cannot demand the same degree of autonomy at all stages of development.
- As the requirement must be in line with the cognitive moment of the child.
Let’s take a look at
? Between a year and a half and three years, you can start working on self-reliance, even if it’s limited to the fact that you can walk and move without help. In language, you should ask that you start asking what is needed (water, pee?).
? From three to five years the language develops a lot, and from there we will promote models of autonomous behavior so that the child is able to communicate his desires and needs to people outside the family. On another level, you can start demanding to eat alone. , sleep alone, wear simple clothing and buy basic hygiene patterns. It’s also time to do small tasks like picking up your toys.
? Between the age of five and eight, responsibility begins to shift towards more school and social relationships, consolidates the autonomy gained in food, sleep and hygiene and personal care, and begins to require autonomy when playing and establishing his free time, to do his homework. At home, you can expand your basic household tasks: tidy up your room, help set and set the table.
? From the age of eight to adolescence, the child begins to know himself, his skills and his mistakes and begins to anticipate the consequences, it is time to start education with full responsibility in schoolwork, leisure planning and household chores.
While this can be a grueling task, it is necessary to find models that allow the child to be independent and responsible.
Basically, we can suggest the following
? Realistic goals: As we have seen, each age has a number of tasks in which autonomy can be requested, but each child also has their own restrictions.
? Perseverance: in any task related to the education of children, you have to be constant in what you ask them to do.
? Tasks like the game: especially in early childhood, you have to encourage more than impose, and the game can be one of the best tools.
? Create routines: Especially for independence from eating habits, sleep, and hygiene, the routine needs to be present to give your child safety in what to do.
? Reflection on mistakes and successes: as the child grows, so does the importance of communication.
? Emotional support: helping them overcome their fears, recovering from their frustrations when something goes wrong, and congratulating them when they do, is critical.
In short, autonomy is an important aspect of personality to encourage the child to develop properly.
Image courtesy of Mewd.